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Christian Holstad’s Papier-Mâché Works at Museo Luigi Varoli

exhibition · 2026-04-26

The Museo Civico Luigi Varoli in Cotignola, near Ravenna, presents 'Salve', a solo exhibition by American artist Christian Holstad (born 1972 in California). The show is curated by Gioele Melandri and centers on papier-mâché, a medium that links the museum—dedicated to the eponymous papier-mâché master Luigi Varoli—the artist, and the curator. Holstad’s recent sculptures, all in papier-mâché, explore themes of waste and rejection, transforming discarded materials into art. The exhibition traces Holstad’s career in reverse: the first room features his latest sculptural works, which also engage with the Romagna region; subsequent rooms display his newspaper works from the 1990s. The series 'This is not a life saving device' is installed in the church adjacent to the museum. The show runs until a date not specified in the source.

Key facts

  • Exhibition titled 'Salve' at Museo Civico Luigi Varoli in Cotignola, near Ravenna.
  • Artist Christian Holstad, born 1972 in California, USA.
  • Curated by Gioele Melandri.
  • Papier-mâché is the central medium, connecting the museum, artist, and curator.
  • Holstad’s work addresses waste and rejection, using discarded materials.
  • Exhibition layout is chronological in reverse: recent sculptures first, then 1990s newspaper works.
  • Series 'This is not a life saving device' shown in the adjacent church.
  • Museum is named after Luigi Varoli, a renowned papier-mâché artist.

Entities

Artists

  • Christian Holstad
  • Luigi Varoli

Institutions

  • Museo Civico Luigi Varoli
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Cotignola
  • Ravenna
  • California
  • Romagna

Sources